Grantown-on-Spey Distilleries

Hotels & Accommodation

The Craiglynne Hotel stands proudly on the malt whisky trail, the only such trail in the world – allowing visitors the opportunity to view, learn and sample from eight of the world’s famous distilleries, a historic distillery and the Speyside Cooperage. More than half of Scotland’s malt whisky distilleries make their home in Speyside, giving the area the well-deserved title, ‘Malt Whisky Country’. This is the ideal destination for both whisky connoisseurs and those who are interested in learning the basics of Scottish whisky production through the Grantown-on-Spey distilleries.

Distilleries on this trail include:

Glenfiddich – The world’s best-selling single malt whisky, the name means ‘valley of the deer’ in Gaelic, which is why the notorious stag is featured on the front of the bottle

The Glenlivet – This whisky has been in production continuously since 1824, recently the spirit has won an impressive five double golds from the San Francisco World Spirits Competition

Strathisla - the oldest continuously operating distillery in Scotland and the home to Chivas Regal

Glen Grant - The best-selling single malt Scotch whisky in Italy. Once under the direction of James ‘The Major’ Grant, a legendary innovator and the first man in Scotland to own a car

Glen Moray - A small, friendly and informal distillery who has produced whisky continuosly since 1897

Benromach – This distillery was the winner of the coveted gold in the “Best Speyside Single Malt” at the World Whisky Awards 2014

Cardhu – A spirit with a dark history, founded by the renowned whisky smuggler John Cumming in 1824, this distillery's Scotch whisky makes up an important part of the famous Johnnie Walker blended whiskies.

Dallas Dhu – The name means "Black Water Valley" in Gaelic. This historic distillery is no longer in operation, but serves as a historic building and monument.

The Speyside Cooperage - Each year, this historic cooperage produces and repairs almost 150,000 oak casks, which are used by the surrounding Speyside Whisky distilleries

Guided tours of the distilleries in Grantown-on-Spey are available, and visitors are also able to visit the distilleries independently. Find out more on the Malt Whisky Trail website.

Gin Distillery

Caorunn made at Balmenach Distillery, lies in the shadow of the Haughs of Cromdale in the Spey valley, the same hills that many a Jacobite soldier perished under a dragoon guard ambush once upon a time. This distillery’s origins begin with an illegal still operated by three brothers, but by 1824 it had become a formally established and legal operation. This distillery is unique in the area, as along with whiskey this distillery produces a uniquely Scottish gin.

Inspired by Celtic heritage, Caorunn gin is infused with five unique and hand-picked Scottish botanicals. The gin is handcrafted and distilled in small batches in a copper berry chamber, in order to slow down the infusion process and allow the botanicals enough time to seep into the spirit. The distillery draws from centuries of distilling heritage, producing a remarkable product that lets you have a taste of Grantown and its history.

Other Distilleries

Tormore Distillery - Established in 1958 by the world renowned architect Sir Albert Richardson this unique distillery was awarded ‘listed building’ status after only 30 years. The name ‘Tormore’ comes from the Gaelic ‘Torra Mhòir’ which means ‘big hill’ owing to the distilleries location, nestled on the fringe of the Cairngorms.http://www.tormoredistillery.com/tormore-distillery/

Unfortunately tours are not available at this time, due to the industrial nature of the site.

Tomintoul Distillery - The master distillers here use traditional practices, stretching back hundreds of years to create what they call, ‘the gentle dram’. This distillery is named after the nearby village of Tomintoul, the highest village in the Highlands.http://www.tomintoulwhisky.com/tomintoul/tom-distillery

Eat & Drink

Eat and drink before or after your tour you can have something to eat at our Speyside Restaurant which serves Scottish traditional food featuring local options on the menu. If you prefer a drink or an informal dining option, The Cromdale Bar is open every evening serving hot drinks, beverages and light food.

Book a Room

Combine a tour of Grantown-on-Spey whisky distilleries Grantown-on-Spey with a stay at The Craiglynne Hotel. We offer standard and superior guestrooms, many with views of the Cromdale Hills. View our latest offers & breaks.